Lose the Turkey and a couple more

We will do it all using the 18 mile path that I generally take.  Will do some jogging on the flats and downs in order to get more out of it.  The idea is to break even on the stuff you cram into your mouth on Thanksgiving today and perhaps lose a couple more.

We'll go over the mountains to Burnt Hickory Road, cross over and take the first trail on the right, cross the bridge over Noses Creek, then take a right and re-enter the woods.  Then we'll cross 120 and enter Cheatham's Hill but take the long way around by taking the first right.  We'll take the wide circle and end up scaling Cheatham's Hill from its base and climb the stairs to the Illinois Monument.  From there we'll head down the other side of Cheatham's Hill by the unknown soldier and onto Kolb Farm doing the loop clockwise.  This will bring us back to Cheatham's Hill and we'll head back to 120 parallelling the road.  From there we head back the same way we came.  This is roughly 18 miles.

Meet at the Visitor's Center at 7:00 sharp and we'll head out.

1) I-75 North to exit 267B Hwy 5 Canton Road Connector

2) If you are not heading west after getting off of the Interstate you are going the wrong way.  You should be heading towards US 41 and downtown Marietta after getting off of I-75 onto the Canton Road Connector and see Kennesaw Mountain on your right.

3) You will be tempted to take the first exit off of the Canton Road Connector which is US 41, but do not take it.  Proceed over US 41 on a bridge staying on the Canton Road Connector.

4) After crossing US 41 take a right at the first redlight which is Church Street Extenson.

5) You should cross railroad tracks soon.

6) Take a left onto Old 41 at the second redlight.  If you get to US 41 again, you have missed the turn onto Old 41 so turn around.

7) Stay on Old US 41 until you pass in front of the mountain.  Take a left at the red-light onto Stilesboro Road and then a left into the visitor's center parking lot, or park in the new overflow parking lot.  It's on the left on Old US 41 just prior to crossing the railroad bridge.

8) Last resort / panic mode / all available parking spaces have been taken:  When this happens, here is where to park - Turn around and head back in front of the mountain on Old 41.  Take the first left which is White Circle Road.  Take the first right which is White Road Court.  Park on the side of the road.



Meet prior to 8:00 AM at the cannon outside the main entrance of the visitor's center or just inside the lobby.  Call the trip leader if you are running late, but please note that we won't wait on you.  You will have to try and catch up with the group if you arrive late.

No cost.

This is a rain or shine hike - we will hike regardless of the weather - except for thunder, tornadoes or earthquakes. I will only cancel this hike if I'm standing at the Visitors Center at 7:00 AM and it's lightning.  Even then, I'd try to wait it out in order to get the hike in.